From February 10 to 13, 2025, leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders gathered in Almería, Spain, for the Stakeholder Conference on Optimizing Fertigation Management of Soil-Grown Crops in Greenhouse Vegetable Production. The event was organized by the University of Almería (UAL) in collaboration with COEXPHAL, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and China Agricultural University (CAU).
This high-impact conference brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from China and Europe, including scientists, policymakers, agricultural professionals, and industry leaders, with the shared objective of advancing fertigation techniques in soil-grown greenhouse crops. A special addition in the participant’s list was a TV crew from “Agriculture Show,” LiGe New Media (Shandong, China), covering the event for Chinese media.
The four-day conference featured expert presentations, field visits to cutting-edge research farms and commercial greenhouses, and in-depth discussions on best practices and technological innovations in fertigation management. Details of the conference are provided below.
Day 1: Research Farm & Greenhouse Visits (February 10, 2025)
The conference began with on-site visits to leading greenhouse research facilities at the UAL (University of Almería). Participants experiences:
– Research greenhouses – 5 ha of greenhouses used for practical studies in greenhouse vegetable production
– A large centralized fertigation facility serving numerous greenhouses.
– Smaller, precision fertigation systems designed for tailored nutrient management.
– Digitalized Information System tracking climate conditions, soil moisture, irrigation and nutrient applications in individual greenhouses. The system also provides real-time alerts when values exceed critical thresholds.
– VegSyst-DSS evaluation-nutrient monitoring techniques for optimizing tomato cultivation.
– Observed various sensors used for monitoring soil moisture and crop nutrient status.
– A visit to a highly automated greenhouse (at Research Station of the provincial government), showcasing the latest innovations in greenhouse management.
Day 2: Joint Stakeholder Conference & Expert Presentations (February 11, 2025)
The central event of the conference, the Joint Stakeholder Conference, focused on strategies to optimize fertigation in soil-grown crops. It featured key presentations by leading experts from academia, industry, and policymaking.
Speakers & Insights
🎤 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Chen Qing (CAU) – Opening Remarks
Outlined the aims of the workshop and the importance of scientific collaboration between Europe and China.
🎤 Jan van der Blom (COEXPHAL), Juan José Magán (Cajamar), and Rod Thompson (UAL) – Introduction to Almería’s Greenhouse Industry
Provided insights into Almería’s agricultural model, cooperative structures, and greenhouse fertigation innovations.
🎤 Esteban Baeza (COEXPHAL, ex-WUR) – Comparing Almería and Dutch Greenhouse Systems
Highlighted key differences and best practices in fertigation strategies from two global leaders in greenhouse production.
🎤 Yan Cao (First Secretary, Chinese Embassy, Madrid) – Building China-Spain Scientific Cooperation
Emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices.
🎤 Rod Thompson (UAL) – Fertigation in Almería Greenhouses: Background, History & Issues
Provided an overview of the development of fertigation techniques and key challenges.
🎤 Juan José Magán (Cajamar) – Fertigation Systems and Management in Almería Greenhouses
Explored historical evolution, technological advancements, and efficiency improvements in fertigation techniques.
🎤 Wim Voogt (WUR) – Fertigation Systems and Management in Dutch Greenhouses
Provided insights into best fertigation practices in Dutch greenhouses.
🎤 M.D. Fernandez (Cajamar) – Irrigation Management in Almería Greenhouses
Discussed efficient water use strategies in Almería’s greenhouse industry.
🎤 Wim Voogt (WUR) – Irrigation Management in Dutch Greenhouses
Shared insights into Dutch irrigation techniques and their impact on yield and sustainability.
🎤 Jinlong Dong (Institute of Soil Science, CAS, China) – Co-existence of Intensification and Diversification in China’s Protected Horticulture Systems
Examined the dual approach of modernizing China’s greenhouse industry while maintaining diversity.
🎤 Yufeng Liu (Shenyang Agricultural University, China) – Exploration & Practice of Soil Health Management Strategies for Greenhouse Vegetables in China
Focused on soil health improvement strategies in intensive greenhouse systems.
🎤 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Marisa Gallardo (UAL) – Methods to Optimize Fertigation Management in Almería Greenhouses
Showcased precision fertigation techniques tailored for Almería’s climate and crops.
🎤 Wim Voogt (WUR) – Methods to Optimize Fertigation Management in Dutch Greenhouses
Discussed advanced fertigation strategies in Dutch greenhouses.
🎤 Bin Liang (Qingdao Agricultural University, China) & Baogang Xu (Weifang Huijinhai Company) – Intelligent Precision Management of Water and Fertilizer for Protected Vegetables
Introduced cutting-edge technologies for precision fertigation
🎤 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Chen Qing (CAU) – Discussion on Improving Fertigation and Irrigation Management
Open discussion on integrating innovative practices for enhanced efficiency.
🎤 Chen Qing (CAU) – Conclusions & Next Steps
Summarized key takeaways and set future collaboration goals.
The event included a networking lunch and coffee breaks, allowing participants to discuss potential collaborations and knowledge exchange.
Day 3: Research & Industry Visits (February 12, 2025)
Participants visited:
– The Research Station of the Cajamar Website (Spanish) & ICT Agri-Food Node
– COEXPHAL Innovation Centre & LABCOLOR Laboratories COEXPHAL Website (Spanish) & COEXPHAL Overview
– Clisol Commercial Greenhouses Clisol Website
These visits provided valuable insights into cutting-edge fertigation, irrigation, climate control, and greenhouse design technologies, along with cooperative farming models that are shaping the future of greenhouse vegetable production.
Day 4: Organic & Commercial Greenhouse Visits (February 13, 2025)
The final day featured hands-on demonstrations of two highly regarded greenhouse operations in Almería:
– Commercial Greenhouse of José Petrulis (in collaboration with the INTECNATUR consulting company)
– Organic Greenhouse of Esther Molina (leading organic farmer in Almeria)
These visits provided valuable insights into advanced soil management, organic fertigation, and biological pest control, highlighting the importance of precision monitoring in modern greenhouse farming.
Conclusion: A step forward in Sustainable Fertigation
The joint stakeholder conference brought together experts from Europe and China, fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions for sustainable greenhouse farming.
Over four days, participants engaged in expert discussions, hands-on field visits, and knowledge exchange, exploring cutting-edge fertigation strategies, precision monitoring, and digital tools to optimize nutrient and water use efficiency.
The conference reinforced the importance of integrating science, technology, and real-world farming needs, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in sustainable greenhouse production.
